Blogs from Navarre, Spain, Europe - page 3

Today was the driving day. Normally we only do a couple of hours actual driving a day but as we were heading for the Pyrenees it was a necessity. To be totally honest the first part of the trip we could have been in Australia, it is easy to see it is the end of summer with dry paddocks and bales of hay stacked high in barns and under cover - perhaps a sign of a long winter ahead. We stopped at a tiny town called Monzon known for absolutely nothing but a warm welcome to a bunch of Aussies who stumbled their way through ordering coffee and using the loo. The men who were having their morning coffee/something more substantial took it all in their stride including the man who is obviously used to having ... read more

Dinner last night was okay. I had spaghetti with tomato sauce and cheese, with a decent salad, water, and an ice cream bar for dessert for 11 euros. I was afraid I would have trouble sleeping again, but soon after 10pm I hit rack and only got up once around 2am to use the restroom, then slept until 6am. We were packed up and on our way soon after 6:30am. We had decided to wait until Larrasoana to eat breakfast. As we were leaving an older lady from Denmark asked if she could join us and so now we are 3. We had decided last night to try for Cizur Menor instead of the typical stop in Pamplona. When we reached Larrasoana, we stopped for breakfast, but almost gave up when we found no place open, ... read more

Saint-jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles: I went bed last night and fell asleep fairly easily for once. I woke up around 6am, had breakfast and a couple of coffee, packed my backpack, and was out the door before 7:30. I went a block down the street to see if I could someone to take a photo of me at the Spanish Gate. A youngish guy said sure, took my photo, and ended walking with me all the way to Roncesvalles! His name is Raresh and he is from Romania. I have to say he was a bit of a slave driver, encouraging me not to stop long or often, but thanks partly to him, I made it all the way and good time and health. We will probably continue on together tomorrow. The sights along ... read more

Estella to Los Arcos - 21.5 km at 28C. Today started early waking at 5:30 am with everyone else and out the door by 6. The markers leading the way are not very evident in a couple of places as you leave Estella, so be sure to bring a powerful LED headlamp. You won't regret that $35 purchase from MEC. (I don't get commission). Once you've made your way into the usual gravel trails, it's clear sailing. I ran across a huge party still raging at 7:04 am. You could hear it across the valley. These Spaniards know how to party! The way to Los Arcos is pretty easy relative to earlier stretches I've done. Not much in the way of hills and quite scenic until you reach Villamayor de Monjardin. Once here, it should be ... read more

We got up at 6 am had breakfast with the other pilgrims at 6.30 packed and on the bikes by 7.30. We made good progress up the mountain through beautiful forested areas on a very quiet road. Then the rain started; by 8.30 we were soaked. It was still warm until after 4 hours of uphill climbing from 200m we reached the top 1300m then a cool breeze chilled us. We visited the spectacular monastery at Roncesvalles , them began the descent. Two more hills, then an amazing descent through 20 or more switchbacks. We met loads of fellow pilgrims, met a Spanish cyclist who guided us into Pamplona and found our b&b by 3pm. We explored Pamplona this evening visiting the citadel and the cathedral, tried local wine and Pintxos bought food for breakfast, now ... read more